German defence contractor eyes future frigate replacement during Merkel visit

OTTAWA – A German defence consortium accompanying Chancellor Angela Merkel has its eyes set on Canada’s plan to eventually replace its command destroyers and patrol frigates with a single class of modern warships.

That’s according to a number of defence sources.

The head of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is one five German businness tycoons involved in today’s meeting with Canadian counterparts on Parliament Hill.

The company is already a major player in the Canadian navy’s plan to build new supply ships at the Seaspan yards in Vancouver.

But the bigger prize, according to industry sources, is the planned Canadian Single Class Surface Combatant Ship, which has yet to be given a firm price tag or start date.

Government and industry insiders say public works will begin consulting with defence contractors this fall.